2011 hyundai equus Model Overview

Following the success of the Genesis in changing people’s perceptions of Hyundai, the company is bringing its Equus luxury sedan to the U.S. This sedan is aimed squarely at the likes of Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, and as you would expect, becomes Hyundai’s flagship model.

There is one engine, the company’s 385-horsepower (on premium unleaded) 4.6-liter Tau V-8 (an option in the Genesis and Veracruz), which uses a ZF six-speed automatic. The Equus is built on a version of the Genesis platform, but is 7.2-inches longer. It comes with an electrically controlled air suspension with sport and normal settings, plus electronic parking assist.

In addition to offering luxury amenities and a premium cabin, overall size is greater than the Lexus LS 460 and a couple inches shy of Mercedes’ S-Class. It also claims comparable headroom and legroom to both of those models, and in some cases offers more space. A 7.1 surround sound system is available, with a 13-channel digital amp and 17 speakers. HD Radio, XM Satellite, and iPod integration are also optional.

If the Genesis represented Hyundai dipping a toe into the luxury sedan waters, the Equus is the equivalent of the company swan-diving into the deep end. The new sedan offers V-8 power and Hyundai’s new six-speed automatic standard, with a premium cabin and more space than in the Lexus LS. Real wood, Alcantara headliner, and massaging driver seat are a few of the amenities that are available.

The Equus is more conservatively styled than some of the other cars in Hyundai’s lineup, but those that don’t like the aggressive lines of the 7 Series and S-Class may warm to the newcomer from Hyundai.

Both front seats are power, and are heated and cooled — and the driver gets a seat massager. Other cool features include real wood trim, cooled rear console, leather-covered instrument panel, and power rear sunshades. Just about every luxury option you c

The Equus features a 385 horsepower, which is more than the LS 460 and S550 offer. However, the Tau 4.6-liter V-8, with its 333 lb-ft of torque is mid-pack for the segment and the big sedan’s straight-line performance doesn’t match that of its rivals. The Equus can handle itself when the going gets curvy, especially when you hit the sport setting, which is designed to firm up the suspension. But this sedan is more skewed toward the luxury end of the spectrum, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Four-wheel discs with ABS plus brake assist and stability control are standard. There are nine airbags: dual front, front- and rear-seat-mounted side-impact, roof-mounted side-curtain, and a driver knee airbag. The Equus’ VSM manages several safety systems at once.

Recalls

Recall ID#14V713000 - EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Consequence

A following vehicle may not recognize that the vehicle is slowing or coming to a stop if the stop lamps on the vehicle do not illuminate as expected. There is an increased risk of a rear-end crash as a result.

Recall Date

2014-11-07

Description

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2009-2011 Hyundai Genesis vehicles manufactured April 30, 2008, to November 21, 2010, and 2011 Hyundai Equus vehicles manufactured July 31, 2010, to November 21, 2010. Due to a circuit failure, the stop lamps in the affected vehicles may not illuminate.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair the stop lamp switch circuit, free of charge. Hyundai issued an interim notification to owners on January 6, 2015. The recall began on March 23, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 125.

Units Affected

42925

Recall ID#16V117000 - VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

Consequence

Inoperative wipers during inclement weather can decrease driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

2016-02-29

Description

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2012 Genesis vehicles manufactured August 1, 2011, to April 30, 2012, and 2011-2013 Equus vehicles manufactured July 10, 2011, to June 12, 2012. The windshield wiper motor cover seal on the affected vehicles may degrade allowing corrosion on the wiper motor's circuit board. The corrosion can cause intermittent or total loss of wiper function.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor cover and seal, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 140.